Laravel .env configuration and Homestead Valet Docker path resolution

A repeatable development environment requires consistent interpretation of .env across team members using Homestead, Valet, and Docker.

Laravel loads configuration via bootstrap/app.php and the env() helper, resolving APP_ENV and APP_DEBUG at request startup. The framework provides no built-in schema or cross-team validation for .env contents.

Homestead, Valet, and Docker each handle .env path resolution and symlink mapping differently, which can lead to environment drift even when the same file is present. Laravel offers no native command to enforce consistency, and secrets must not be committed.

Behavior may differ between Laravel 9 and 10 regarding env() defaults and bootstrap/app.php modifications, adding uncertainty about version-specific loading.

What is the documented Laravel .env loading behavior and its dependency on the working directory set by Homestead, Valet, or Docker?

Which differences in path resolution and symlink handling between Homestead, Valet, and Docker can cause APP_ENV and APP_DEBUG to be resolved inconsistently?

What documented Laravel features, if any, support team-wide .env consistency without committing secrets?